One common misconception is the belief that a person is
allergic to an animalís fur. However, the allergic reaction is
usually triggered by the dander of a cat or dog. Dander consists of
dead skin cells that flake off when the outer layer of skin renews itself, a
normal, ongoing process. This turnover is faster in animals who are prone to
various skin problems, such as dry skin and oily seborrhea. A cat can
sometimes trigger allergic reactions when a dog does not because cat dander
is smaller and lighter, so it remains suspended in the air longer than dog
dander.

Saliva and urine on the fur of dogs and cats are also
potential sources of allergens. When the fur dries, microscopic particles
flake off and become airborne. A compound called Fel D1 present in the
saliva of cats, and also secreted from their skin glands, can trigger
allergic reactions.

What are the symptoms?

About 15% of the population is allergic to cats or dogs and
suffers from itchy eyes, runny noses, asthmatic symptoms, itchy skin, or a
rash. The severity of the allergy can depend on the amount of allergens you
are exposed to. It might depend on the size of the cat or dog, because if
the animal is larger, he will most likely shed more dander.

Are there any non-allergenic dogs or cats?

All cats and dogs produce allergenic dander, and any animal
with fur or feathers can trigger allergic reactions. Dogs who are shampooed
and groomed regularly emit less dander into the air. Female cats have less
Fel D1 than males. Cats and dogs who shed profusely are more likely to cause
allergic reactions, because there will be an excessive amount of hair
covered with saliva and dander in the house. However, as long as your house
is vacuumed frequently and cleaned with a mop or sponge, an animal who sheds
a lot should not be more of a problem than any other cat or dog.

How can I reduce my allergic symptoms?

There are a many things you can do to reduce allergens and
your allergic symptoms.

Care of the animal: Keep your dogís or catís skin
healthy by feeding high quality food and a fatty acid supplement. Some
studies claim bathing your cat or dog every few weeks will help reduce the
amount of allergens released into the air.

Housecleaning: Control the amount of dust and dander
in the house by removing carpets, reducing the amount of upholstered
furniture, and washing materials that can readily trap animal dander.
Installing a high efficiency air (HEPA) filter in your home may also help.
Vacuum and mop the floors regularly. Certain solutions, such as 3% tannic
acid, will destroy animal allergens in carpets without damaging the carpet.

Taking medication: Various forms of medication are
now available that can minimize allergy symptoms. Allergy injections work by
gradually desensitizing a personís immune system to cat or dog allergens
(immunotherapy). After a few months of allergy shots once a week, people can
usually control their symptoms with one injection a month. Eventually, in
some cases, symptoms can be eliminated altogether. Many new medications for
controlling allergic symptoms are on the market. Steroid nasal sprays reduce
allergic irritation in the sinus area and help reduce inflammation that
leads to coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. For asthma, there are
multiple medications, sprays, and inhalers available. Antihistamines will
help control a runny nose and itchy eyes. With the right medication, good
housecleaning methods, and a healthy cat or dog, it is entirely possible for
an allergic person to live happily with an animal companion.

Is it possible to prevent allergies?

Recent studies show there are actually ways to prevent
certain allergies from developing. A 2002 study in the Journal of
American Medical Association concluded that exposure to two or more dogs
or cats in early childhood may reduce subsequent risk of developing
allergies.1
The New England Journal of Medicine found that children
who grow up in extremely clean homes are far more likely to develop asthma
and allergies than those who grow up on farms and in less immaculate homes.2
A study in Lancet showed that children in rural Austria who are exposed to
horses and stables before they are one year old have a much lower incidence
of asthma and hay fever.3

Scientists theorize that a young immune system without any
germs will start attacking things that arenít germs, such as animal dander.
Even when studies factored in family history, smoking, and other variables,
they confirm that early exposure to cats, dogs, and other sources of
allergens help protect children from later developing asthma and allergies.